Looking up into his deep gray eyes, her own dark eyes smoldering deeply for a moment before her eyebrow arched and a tiny crinkle of a smile formed at the corner of her mouth, Naveen said softly, <i>“But sir, I am no lady.”</i><BR><BR>Her hand slid up the back of his neck, pulling his head closer until their lips met once again. The kiss lasted much longer this time and before she pulled away, Naveen breathed softly near his ear, <i>“And be sure of what you want, before kissing me again,”</i> she warned. <BR><BR>Tracing a line with her finger along the curve of his jaw until reaching his chin, gently closing his mouth that had gone slack with surprise.<BR><BR><i>“I find myself with an unquenchable thirst, will you join me in some wine?”</i><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif"border=0> <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-devil.gif"border=0><BR>

After she finished at the table, Friend decided that it was about time for her to leave. She had promised herself that she would not leave until she had made amends with Cats. Now that was done, and it was time to depart. She walked over to Barad-dur and Enchantress. "Hail Enchantress and Barad-dur! I am glad that I was able to meet you two, and hope to see you around the boards. Barad-dur, remember, you are never alone. If ever you need someone to talk to and your fair maiden is not available, come to the Ring of Elements Guild, part 2 in the Aliances thread. Many there will be willing to talk. You can even join if you like. Enchantress, you can join too! it's great fun. Goodbye!" Friend curtsied, and walked away to gather her things and say goodbye to others.<BR><BR>Merry flew over to the kind bard, Erinhue. "Hail Erinhue!" he called, and the bard looked up. "I am glad to have met you, kind Erinhue, and hoped to see you again. I would like to give you this to remember me by." Merry setteled on Erinhue's shoulder, and dropped a dragon's tooth on a chain in his hand. "It is one of my own, which I lost when I was younger. Do not worry, I cleaned it. Farewell, kind Bard, I will see you around!" cried Merry, and with a croon, he took off, and followed Friend as she walked away from the wedding place.<BR><BR>If one looked at the table full of food, one would find a note. <BR> "The food will automaticaly disappear after the last guest has left. Best wishes, Elora and Turin!<BR> yours truly, Friend".

[ooc, Neveen, my dear, I am afraid they are going to kick us out...]<BR><BR>Sharing a glass with the lovely Naveen, Elladan looked up in surprise as his brother approached with his lady. Both were flushed and smiling and were obviously preparing to leave.<BR><BR>"See that Neveen gets safely home!" Legrace warned him with the devil dancing in her eyes and a knowing grin to her friend.<BR><BR>Elrohir bowed to her. "Good night, Miss Naveen. It is a pleasure to see you again!"

<i>Turin and Elora had ridden much after leaving the reception, and in time they came to a place away south. There along the shores of the sea, near the girdle of Arda there were the land of White Sands. There were vast beaches of white sands there. The tide flats were wide and the dunes stood tall and stretched inland, always shifting through the years with the winds. On one part of this vast beach there was a bluff of rock that started to arise, and at about 20 feet it cornered on a cliffed inlet of fresh water that ran forth from the rocks from an underground spring. It was there that was built a beach house that overlooked the white sands and the wide oceans of the west, and the inlet and deep pool to the south. At high tide there was a short strip of beach, but at low tide it stretched far out towards the waves, and they would roll in large curls as the tide came in. The beachhouse stood before her with its veils of silk fluttering in the wind. It had open air veils for walls and a strong supported roof to shield the sun. The beams were buried deep in the rock to hold against the storm winds in their season, but it never grew cold here. There was an underground storage where food could be kept fresh and the southwest corner had a room overlooking the beaches and the inlet where the bed, covered in satin and silk, had a great view. Turin had sent ahead much wares that were stored and he hoped it would all please his wife.<BR><BR>Arriving at the beach house, Elora smiled and Turin dismounted. Looking at her he helped her dismount, asking,</i><BR><BR>There it is beloved. Does this place please you for a place of honeymoon???<BR>

<i>The vista that spread before them was breathtaking. A land untamed, untouched by the troubles of Arda. Bright sunlight gleamed off a turquoise ocean, and was reflected by Turin's dark hair and glowing eyes. His words were filled with hope and promise, and initally all she could do was smile as he assisted her from her horse. She removed the circlet from her hair, shaking it down from it's hold and turned to her beloved.</i><BR><BR>More than please me, my love. Much to see and discover with you at my side. It wants for nothing...<BR><BR><i>She leaned up to kiss her husband before siezing his hand and starting forward towards the shoreline. Turin, laughing, followed for she would not release his hand. She paused to kick off her shoes, gathered her skirts away from the water and placed one tentative toe in.</i><BR><BR>As I thought, perfect.<BR><BR>Long we have ridden, beloved. Perhaps my lord will join me in a meal?<BR><BR><i>She released his hand and ran back up the beach towards the beachhouse, laughing.</i>

(ooc-Sorry, belated post!)<BR><BR>My Lady and Lord. It is time that I take leave of your wonderous celebration, and leave you at peace to enjoy your honeymoon. May your life be always like a light in the darkness! Elora, I hope to see you again soon in the Rings guild, and Turin, you are welcome to come aswell. There is a Ring waiting to be requested by you, if you so wish.<BR><BR>Farewell!<BR><BR><i>Arcados mounted his silver horse and rode off into the distance.</i>

The evening was coming to an end as the guest began departing one by one or with their escorts. Naveen had looked around while drinking her wine, but no sign of Hunter did she see, and she thought to herself that Hunter had more than likely slipped away some time ago.<BR><BR>Bidding the gracious Legrace and the charming Elrohir good bye, Naveen turned to Elladan, a wicked gleam in her eye. <BR><BR><i>“The Lady Legrace bids you escort me safety home,”</i> she purred softly, stepping closer to his side and extending her arm. <BR><BR>Uncertainty crossed his face, before he noticed the laughter in her eyes and he bowed graciously, linking his arm in hers as they started to walk away from the reception area.<BR><BR><i>“Your horse or mine?”</i> Elladan asked with a wink.<BR><BR>And their laughter drifted in the air as they slowly walked across the bridge and away from the wedding.<BR><BR>(ooc And so we shall leave Finrod. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> ) <BR>

...Turin's face as he first beheld Kalrienmar... visions of him before her hearth and as he walked beside her through the ancient and pristine forests... oh beloved... we need you as surely as we need the air we breath... use the Flame for strength and guidance, for through it shall the will of Eru be done... vanimelda... oh my love!

<i>Turin's dream recalled Elora dancing softly on the sand, and it slid seamlessly into her dancing at Annúminas where they stayed while returning. Words come from Turin as he sleeps...</i><BR><BR>Oh beloved! ever... always...<BR><BR><i>Elora awakes to his words.</i>

<i>Awakens, pulls closer, and smiles in such a way that only Turin has ever known. Able to hear the steady thump of life in his chest where she rests her head she sighs in return.</i><BR><BR>Vanimelda, ever and always.<BR><BR><i>Her hands drift to her stomach before snaking about her husband.</i>

<i>The waves and the white sands of Harad! The sounds of Kalrienmar! The scents of Annúminas! The dances of Elora so fair, and the beauty that she is! Long their time on the honeymoon poured over them, and would always be fresh in Turin's memory.</i><BR><BR>Beloved! One day I will take you to Orod i Deren!<BR><BR><i>But for now, they had life ahead!</i>

Orod i Deran? So deliciously cruel of you to tweak my curiosity so. Now it shall not rest until I behold it...<BR><BR>There's a price to be paid for such sport, Turin Turambar!<BR><BR><i>Her smile flashed in warning before she pounced, fingers flying as they sought any ticklish place and wreaking their havoc until both were sobbing with laughter.</i><BR><BR>There! That'll teach you... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0>

<i>Elora had been patient... oh so patient... for she had heard rumour of Orod i Deran since before their marriage. At its mention Turin would smile mysteriously and a inner light would spark in his eyes and yet he said only "one day" to her. Elora had tried charm, wit, bribery, threats and all to no avail. She could win no more from him than "one day".<BR><BR>Elora had been patient, but her curiosity was an unforgiving mistress and it was that which pushed her on now. Unable to withstand the mystery any longer and keen for respite from the toil of their work, she had laid her own plans. One day, she decided, had arrived. Once she had settled on that, she would not be shaken from it for she was wilful. The one day in question had dawned to find Elora already moving about with stealthy, steely determination.<BR><BR>In the grey pre-dawn, she had left her beloved wrapped in warm dreams to ready things. The horses were saddled and packed, their clothing also packed. Food, supplies for a journey in any direction were also ready and stowed. By the time the eastern sky had found its rosy blush, Elora stood full dressed in her snug breeches, long overtunic and shirt. Her arms were folded across her chest, a booted foot tapped, and she idled with her braid, flicking the hair about. Her gaze shifted between Turin, who sleep on unaware and the neatly folded clothing that sat on the edge of the bed.<BR><BR>This could be interesting. Elora reckoned that she could probably get the shirt over his head before he fully woke, but other than that she would have to either wrestle him into the rest. One look at her muscular husband showed that likelihood remote, although Elora herself was no frail lady of the embroidery circle. She came to her conclusion, picked up the shirt and sat on her husband. He smiled, and so did she, but for very different reasons. It was with difficulty that she stopped her laughter. He would be wroth with her, but the fact was the one day had arrived.<BR><BR>And so the tussle began, she pulled his shirt over his sleepy head and placed a sound kiss on his soft lips. The distraction did not get her far, but it bought her enough time to call upon the Flame Imperishable to assist her. It wasn't easy, for Turin quickly realised what she was about and did not particulary want to be dressed first thing in the morning. The fact that she persisted and used her power to see her will achieved did not help matters.<BR><BR>So it was, some time later that a full dressed and rather unsettled Turin glared up at her. Both their cheeks were flushed, and Elora had refused to answer his numerous questions and requests for explanations. For the 7th or 8th time, he shot at her "What is going on!" As she saw nothing achieved in remaining silent on that, she decided it was safe to reply, although not safe to release her power.</i><BR><BR>We're going on a field trip, my love.<BR><BR><i>Turin scowled.</i><BR><BR>I'd like to tell you where to, but you're the only one who truly knows. Now, I've gotten everything ready to roll...<BR><BR><i>Turin had a decidely stubborn set to his jaw. Elora sighed, and simply had him rise into the air and float along in front of her through the house and out to where the saddled horses waited. He looked at the packs and then back at her.</i><BR><BR>We could be gone for a few days. I guess you won't be amendable to getting on your horse...<BR><BR><i>His silence was eloquent. She settled him onto the horse and ensured he could not slip away, picked up the reins of his horse as she swung into her own saddle and kicked Windsong off. They rode in silence for a time, until the trees cleared and they could get a good sense of direction. She looked back to Turin, who looked very handsome in the morning sun. She said so, although he still looked out of sorts with her.</i><BR><BR>So, which way to Orod i Deran, my sweet handsome husband... one day has arrived? North, south, east or west must we make for?<BR><BR><i>And now it could all be undone, for if Turin would not say, they could either sit there all day and night and day and night or go home. She looked at him in earnest longing, hoping that he saw as she did, that one day had indeed dawned and they rode through it towards that place.</i><BR><BR>(<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0> - told ya it wouldn't rest!)

<BR>The early afternoon sunlight dappled the elf's dark hair as he wandered beneath the branches. He looked about him with new eyes, a vivid blue as they ahd always been. His fingers trailed lightly over the trunk of a tree as he passed, it's life humming beneath the bark and through his hand begore he broke the contact and took another step. It was a beautiful place. Joy sat like blossoms on the swaying boughs. Laughter whispered through the trees. There was a peaceful sentience all around him, and it washed over him like nothing else had done since he left the Halls of Mandos to come here.<BR><BR><i>This is the place.</i><BR><BR>His voice was soft, speaking to himself as he stepped onto the grass at the top of the hill and looked down over the lake that shone beneath the sun. His arms hung at his sides, and Ronnan was still as he gazed over the place where he had lost his beloved forever to another man. Anger and betrayal no longer growled within him. The sadness was still there. It was a strange peace he had come to, by a difficult road since Turin Turambar had sent him by his blade to Mandos after a twisted path of love denied and gone astray. The rage that had taken possession of the elf and driven him to his acts of woe was also silent now.<BR><BR>Ronnan sighed, and it was a complicated thing. He would not have true peace until the woman he loved beyond all reason could forgive him. She was everywhere in the place he stood, but she was not there herself. Probably by her husband's side, the smile that Turin brought to her making her beauty incandescent. Again the sad smile drifted over the elf's face.<BR><BR><i>She is not here.</i><BR><BR>His shoulders sank a little, and he turned away from the view at the summit. His road had been difficult but it was not yet done. Once again, Ronnan melted into the trees and continued his search.<BR>

<BR><BR><BR><BR><i>A smile of exuberant greeting curved her lips as she sped through the trees. Her hair streamed free on the breeze as her bare feet flashed over the grass. She lightly skipped past roots and skimmed over the flowers that winked at her in the bright sun. Someone was here, and her heart so wished that it would be her beloved Turin. Oh, to wrap him in her arms, dance with him over the grass, sing to the sun and stars a song of life. He had returned, and he awaited her here in this most precious of places for her. She had sensed a presence and flown towards it, not stopping to mention to anyone where she was going, not even to place shoes on her feet or tie back her hair. Ahead, through the trees she saw a shadow flicker and a mischevious thought called her to a halt.<BR><BR>She froze, smiling impishly, and then started to move in the silent stealth Turin had taught to her. She gathered her skirts into her hands, and stalked around so that she could surprise him. Her brow furrowed as she moved, going as fast as she could, doing her best not to falter or worse still surrender to the laughter that bubbled inside of her heart. It meant a delay to being able to surround herself with his arms, and she chafed at it, but she hoped she would make him proud. When at last she managed to circle silently around in front of her prey, she stood in the shadows to gather her breath. Curls tumbled around her face. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, and her eyes were shining as the colours spun and danced in her gaze.<BR><BR>His footfall was so very quiet, she had to listen carefully past her beating heart to judge the right time to appear. The slight rustle was her cue, and Elora jumped lightly into a pool of sunlight that fell between the trees he was making for. On her lips were words of sweet greeting that faded as she realised who it was that stood there.</i><BR><BR>Hail beloved vanimelda...<BR><BR><i>Her eyes widened as she stared in shock at Ronnan. So many things tangled within her that for the moment she was silent. A crushing disappointment as she realised that Turin was not there sliced through her, and she blinked back tears as Ronnan stared at her.</i><BR><BR>I... did not expect to see you here, Ronnan. I did not expect to see you ever again...<BR><BR><i>Singed pride forced her to speak through her clenched throat, and she whipped her back straight and squared her shoulders, tossing her head back. But she was not able to keep the anguish at bay and from her face.</i><BR><BR>I thought you were Turin... I hoped.... it does not matter what I hoped.<BR><BR><i>She felt her thin control crack and she turned her head aside so that he would not see her lower lip tremble with the tears that were crowding her.</i><BR><BR>I should go... should never have come here...<BR><BR><i>Elora shook her head a little fiercely and turned away as the first tear slid down her cheek. The urge to run was strong in her, and she wrapped her arms around herself as she stepped back away from the now too bright place on the path.</i><BR>

<BR><BR>Ronnan speechless as Elora emerged like a vision of a godess from nowhere, bright and glorious amidst the trees. His heart almost exploded as he took in the expression on her face, and old hopes flared into life anew for a brief moment. Then, her face paled and her expression changed and his hopes were ashen in his mouth. Pain he saw in her eyes, and her words were soft with it. She had thought he was Turin, and now she turned away like she always did from him. He was not her beloved and never had been, despite his most desperate of acts, hopes, pleas and dreams. It was too much to bear though, to just let her go when he needed her to grant him peace. Though his arms were heavy, he lifted one to reach for her. His fingers met with silken hair and the smooth, soft skin of her shoulder. She was so warm beneath his fingers which he lightly tightened to stay her departure.<BR><BR><i>Please, not now... do not go... please...</i><BR><BR>He felt her draw a shaking breath beneath his hand and he gently turned her back to face him. Tears shone on her beautiful face, and he was appalled to see her stricken so.<BR><BR><i>I did not mean to alarm you, my Lady.</i><BR><BR>Elora refused to look at him, shaking lightly. Her brow furrowed as she shook her head, but she said nothing as she stared at the ground. His hand moved from her shoulder to collect a silver tear from her cheek. The gentle brush of his fingers against her soft cheek startled her. Her head shot up, like a wild horse that was about to break into gallop. Lost in the swirl of her large eyes, Ronnan blurted out the first thing on his mind.<BR><BR><i>What is it that brings you such woe, then?</i><BR>

<BR><BR>And what care does an elf, slain by my husband's hand, have for the cares of any that live!<BR><BR><i>Elora temper flared. That it should be Ronnan here and not Turin. That he would dare ask what troubled her when he had brought so much grief to her. That he would see the pain that overflowed and slid down her face when all she wanted to do was hide away if Turin was gone ever from her as he seemed to be.</i><BR><BR>What right have you to even be here, in this place, you who were done with this mortal world and it's concerns.<BR><BR>I do not answer to you!<BR><BR><i>She fired the words at him, her anger lending her some uncertain strength.</i><BR><BR>Enough! I am done with this world myself! I go now, and you would be wise to not check my departure.<BR><BR><i>Elora took a step backwards, not sure where she was going and what she was doing. Where was there to go for one such as her? Her beloved could not be found. She had no urge to seek the company of others. There was one only she longed for and she was tired. Tired of searching, tired of hoping, tired of bearing the expectations of others.</i><BR><BR>

<BR>He had never seen her like this, and Ronnan had seen Elora in many circumstances. At her best, at her fiercest, in the grip of mighty rage and power, at ease, even fearful to his greatest shame for he had brought her that fear. But never like this.<BR><BR><i>Lady, we both well know that wisdom is a luxury I can little afford.<BR><BR>Fool that I may be, even I can foresee what would pass should you indeed quit these lands. What life would shine without thee? Where would the laughter and music find their gentle voice? What hope would the Children of Arda hold close to their breast if it be not you?<BR><BR>Even a miscreant such as I can see these things. Leave me here, if you will, but not these lands. I beg of you... for the sake of all that has brought you love, comfort and succour... your daughter... your husband... all whose lives you touch be that they know it or not.<BR><BR>I beg you. Now is not yet the time to abandon mortal lands. Not on my account.</i><BR><BR>Elora stood a little ways from him, and for the moment she seemed suspended between movement and stillness. He did not reach for her now, for to move would be to break this spell. He had come to ease his burden of guilt, not to add to it. If she fled mortal lands, beyond the Circles... he could not bear to consider it. What would happen without the Guardian's influence, stolen too early by the intrusions of a vagabond elf when every other woe and trial had not cowed her?<BR><BR><i>You would leave me to explain to the Free Peoples why their Guardian took it upon herself to leave? Well you know Gandalf. Between he and Elrond I would find myself possessing such qualities of a warthog, which you may think apt but I certainly am less than enthusiastic.</i><BR><BR>Elora blinked at Ronnan, not expecting the jest. He smiled on faintly, and shrugged, adopting the pose of a man doomed to explain the unexplainable. She was utterly beautiful as she stared at him, and Ronnan sighed as he shrugged before the theif of his heart.<BR><BR><i>May as well do it now, rather than make me walk to Imladris all that way to explain what happened.</i><BR><BR>The tension dropped slightly.<BR><BR><i>Please, my Lady, stay. Would that I could bring a smile to light your fair face.</i><BR><BR>Ronnan stepped backwards himself, and bowed deeply. Only Elora could know if, when he rose, she would still be upon the path or not.<BR>

<BR><BR><BR><i>Elora stared at the bowed Ronnan for a long moment and then ruefully shook her head.</i><BR><BR>These lands would likely find more peace within them in my absence than they could with my presence... but I accepted my fate when I accepted my heart and my beloved. My life is tied to his and I would not have it otherwise, not now.<BR><BR><i>She sighed, knowing that she was not yet done with the long road she had chosen with Turin over the solitary road that had been hers before, stretching into eternity. She brushed the bitter tears of disappointment from her face as Ronnan rose to his full height again.</i><BR><BR>What brings you here, to this place, Ronnan? The Halls of Mandos are far from here. You say did not come to bring me grief. What do you wish of me?<BR><BR><i>Swallowing her sharp lonliness, Elora instead turned to the duty that Ronnan rightly said she could not turn aside from yet. It was familiar, and easier to bear than anything else. Duty had formed the centre of her life before. Instead of stepping away, this time she stepped forward, gazing at Ronnan intently as she passed him and wandered up the path to the summit to the place she had wedded her beloved. The elf was silent behind her as they walked, the breeze ruffling her curls and her skirts like they had when she last walked up this path. She came to a stop at the clearing, her mind filled with memories powerful. The moment stretched uncounted and then she broke it by stepping forward onto the grass. It was cool beneath her bare feet and she turned back to face Ronnan.</i><BR><BR>Or is it also you that seeks Turin Turambar in this place? If so, then I fear that you will not find him. My vanimelda is far...<BR><BR><i>The soulgem that hung around her throat soon found her hand curled around it. The sensation of Turin that flowed from it warmed her a little, shifting the coldness of disappointment and casting back the shadows.</i><BR>

<BR><BR>Ronnan inwardly heaved a sigh of relief as she walked past him. He followed her silently, choosing for the moment to say nothing as they walked. She swayed just ahead of him, small feet graceful, lithe curves and glorious hair before him as sunlight and shadows passed over her. It was almost dreamlike, to him. She stopped at the edge of the trees for a moment, and he with her. Then she stepped forward and turned to speak to him. The woman that he loved was a complicated creature, filled with such mysteries that would always amaze one as simple as him. Yet he caught hints now of what it was that had brought such a sudden storm of tears to her. Turin was not here and she mourned his absence. Did the man know how fortunate he was to have one such as she yearning to hear his voice again? Ronnan mused that the man likely did, and would return as soon as he may. He watched her long and delicate fingers curve around the gem, and something lightened from the burden she carried.<BR><BR><i>Nay, my lady, I do not seek your husband. I doubt that he and I will ever meet again, and likely he will not rue it.<BR><BR>I have travelled far by a difficult road, seeking you, Guardian. It has not been easy, for you do not wander in places frequented by others. And yet, I had to find you.<BR><BR>No inn, nor town, nor dance spoke of your beauty. No bard or library of your wisdom and lore. In fact, I could not find trace of you anywhere.<BR><BR>It was in desperation that I came here, for I had that this is a place dear to you. As ever, my lady, you see clearly. I do come to ask something of you, if you would hear me.</i><BR><BR>Elora studied him, head cocked to one side. It was as though the very beauty of creation, wild, primal, untouched and perfect, was embodied by the Guardian. Ronnan sank to his knees before her.<BR><BR><i>I am come to ask of you your forgiveness, Lady Guardian.</i><BR>

<BR><BR><BR><i>Forgiveness? Atop the hill she stared at Ronnan's dark bowed head, mind and heart spinning. He had come to ask forgiveness? Forgiveness for hunting her every move, for bringing dishonour to himself and her in pursuing so. Forgiveness for the pain his stubborn, unreturned love had caused to her own beloved. The anguish, the shame... the violence and theft and caniving, calculated ploys to wrest from her what she would not choose to give, her choice made towards another. Never, in all of that, had Elora expected to find that Ronnan would seek from her forgiveness. She remembered a field of swaying grass, the wind cold on her cheek as she sat as still as the rock beneath her when Ronnan had fought Turin. The hill she stood on now seemed distant as her mind reeled.<BR><BR>Yet, she was the Guardian of Arda and for all his faults, Ronnan was a Child of Illuvator. She was sworn to protect him, but did this mean she was also bound to forgive should they ask it of her? She gazed at Ronnan's bowed head. What she did know is that she hated it when people bowed to her.</i><BR><BR>Please, Ronnan, get to your feet. You do not need to bow.<BR><BR>You have indeed walked a difficult road, to come with such a request and ask it of me in this place.<BR><BR><i>Ronnan slowly rose, and she continued on after she turned to stare at the lake, speaking to the horizon.</i><BR><BR>I do not know if I can forget, Ronnan... but I may be able to forgive.<BR><BR>Tell me, what will you do with my forgiveness?<BR>

<BR>She wasn't looking at him, and missed the sad smile on Ronnan's face. He knew why she asked. Elora had good cause to be wary of showing any kindness to him. That she would even consider granting his plea now illustrated the chasm between their characters. The most noblest thing Ronnan could claim in his conduct with Elora was his death. Her profile was lined in light in that afternoon as she gazed at the far sky. Her hand still clasped the clear gem at her throat. Did she reach for Turin, send to him her love and strength wherever he may be? Ronnan soaked in the sight of her. The vibrant colour of her glorious hair. The richness of her beauty, only enhanced by the simple elegance of her dress. He was struck by her inherent fair grace, something women in courts around the land strived towards with heavy velvets, gaudy broacades and flashy gems. <BR><BR>Elora stood, fairness beyond the reach of even the Eldar, before him and asked that sadly necessary question. He could not undo the past, but Ronnan could now shape his future to be something that he hoped that even she, the woman he loved dearer than life itself, could be proud of.<BR><BR><i>I will give you, nor any other cause for grief or trouble, my lady. If you grant me this thing, then my shadow shall not darken your door ever again.<BR><BR>I will return to Eldamar, and there remain, and you will return to your daughter and your husband, and life for you will continue as you have chosen.<BR><BR>I will give you no cause to regret your boon, my lady. I can see now what I could not before. My love shall not ever die, nor tarnish with time. It shall endure with me in immortal lands, unwithered, and no longer will it be a burden to you or the one you have chosen to love.</i><BR><BR>The words were painful for Ronnan. All he wanted was to reach for her, bring her close within his arms and surround her with what beat within his heart, through every fibre of his being. Yet he could not, because her heart wandered with a mortal man that was far away. Once there had been a time where Ronnan would have chanced to steal but one moment, whilst Turin was absent. And that was why Elora now needed such caution. The shame was heavy to bear, and he knew that his most deepest desire would not be granted for he had done nothing to warrant it, until now, when it was too late. Curls of firey copper took flight on the breeze as they had on a night long ago when first he had seen her. Then, as she did now, Elora had been searching for word of one dear to her. Then, as he did now, Ronnan had simply been dumbstruck by her.<BR><BR>Unable to look at her any more and keep to this new honourable path, Ronnan also turned his gaze to the blue horizon that Elora lost herself in. Forgiveness was his freedom. His head was light, heart pounding in his ears.<BR>

<BR>Then my forgiveness you may have, Child of Illuvator, for freedom is all I have ever wished for thee.<BR><BR><i>Many times she had forgiven, and only proved mistaken. Yet, to withhold freedom was to deny all that she stood for and all that she believed in. Elora turned to face Ronnan, and smiled gently, the sun warm on her back.</i><BR><BR>May this freedom bring you peace at last, Ronnan. Illuvator shelter you in his grace.<BR><BR><i>Elora tentatively extended a hand to squeeze his shoulder, and then withdrew it. Hope was alight in his eyes now, and she had not seen such a wholesome expression upon that elven face for longer than she cared to recall. As time marched on, she could forget the pain. It would fade. There was nothing more to say, and she sensed that it was time to leave. Slowly, she walked away from Ronnan and that hilltop. Into the trees she passed, weaving between the trunks until at last she stood on the shores of the lake. It was an unspoilt blue, mirroring the sky above and it lapped her feet. The waters were cool as they ebbed over her bare feet. She gathered her skirts higher and waded further in.<BR><BR>Her heart was already a little lighter. On a whim she let her skirts fall. They quickly soaked up the water and she dove beneath the surface, emerging to laugh at the sky. One dark chapter brought to a close, this time with no blood spilt, no violence. Just at that moment, it seemed possible that her Master's vision could indeed be reached. Then she too would know peace, and her beloved would uncover true happiness. How she longed for that day.<BR>

<i>I see we lost the color title that I especially made for my dearest Elora Starsong.<BR><BR>I know I am late my love but I have to say.. Thank you my love for a year + of great companionship and writing together. I am sorry I haven't been able to continue on any type of regular basis. I will do my best to get back in the flow of thwe two threads I am in, and I do look forward to writing with you ever more.<BR><BR>{{HUGS}}*kisses* dear wife!

<BR>The colours you bring never fade for me, Turin.<BR><BR>It has been an honour and a delight to share this with you, beloved. I would not have any other... ever and always... you and no other.<BR><BR>Vanimelda

Elora's face was one of amusement as she wandered through this place. Memories dear to her danced around her, twinkling in the soft golden light of the waning day. She moved slowly, savoring the quiet joy that seemed to have sunk into the very earth.

So much had passed since that fateful day, so very much. Had she of known what lay ahead, would she have dared? If she were honest with herself, Elora had to admit that she did not know. There had been sorrow, and darkness had beset them. But there had been laughter and love, made all the sweeter for the trials they had faced together.

Turin was far to the south, his mind wandering the deep and still waters that ran so deeply within his soul as was his wont. Elora sighed, picked up her skirts and twirled in the hush. Bare feet spun over soft grass. So many years, and so many friends passed. Still, some things remain. She held that close to her heart as danced beneath the trees.

Elora paused, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, and smoothed her skirts. She took a deep breath, taking in the sweetness of the past this place represented and adding it to the future that beckoned so brightly before them both. She nodded, once, and started on her way south again.[/i]